In the Classroom

Green Thumbs and Cooking Crew

The Green Thumbs are very excited to attempt all year gardening with the addition of our very own Vegepod to our vegetables garden! A Vegepod is a raised garden bed with a polyethylene knitted mesh protective cover and misting system. We worked together to plant out autumn seedlings into the Vegepod, starting with spring onions, chinese cabbage, beetroot, tatsoi, salad mix and giant red mustard. Mulch was applied around the vegetables to give them extra protection. The Green Thumbs are very excited to try growing vegetables to eat during the winter and would like to thank The Town and Country Committee for their generous donation allowing us to purchase the Vegepod. We will keep you updated on how we go with growing vegetables!

Small Schools Swimming Carnival

On Friday, 13 March, Niangala Public School proudly joined our neighbouring schools, Woolbrook and Yarrowitch Public Schools, for an exciting small schools swimming carnival held at the Walcha Pool. This event was a wonderful opportunity for our students to showcase their swimming skills, enjoy friendly competition, and strengthen connections across the schools.

Students participated enthusiastically in a variety of races, including freestyle, backstroke, and breaststroke events, catering to all age groups and abilities. The carnival not only highlighted the students’ dedication and sportsmanship but also encouraged healthy competition.

We would like to extend a big thank you to the staff and parents who volunteered their time to ensure the carnival ran smoothly and safely. Congratulations to all our swimmers for their efforts and achievements—every participant displayed determination and school spirit.

Events like this enrich our students’ school experience and are a wonderful way to promote physical fitness and build camaraderie. We look forward to next year’s carnival and continuing to foster strong partnerships with our neighbouring schools.

Walcha Show Visit

On Friday, 13 March, students from Niangala Public School had the wonderful opportunity to visit the Walcha Show. The annual show was filled with exciting displays, interactive activities, and a lively atmosphere—offering our students a unique chance to learn more about their local community.

A highlight of the day was the scavenger hunt organised for our students. Armed with checklists and great enthusiasm, students explored the showgrounds to find specific items and exhibits, including farm animals, creative arts displays, local produce stalls, and more. The scavenger hunt encouraged curiosity, and observational skills, helping students engage more deeply with the event.

This year, Niangala Public School also entered a basket of vegetables grown by our students in the school garden. We are proud to announce that our basket was awarded second place in the competition—a fantastic achievement that celebrates the hard work and dedication of our students in cultivating fresh produce.

In addition, students from Niangala Public School showcased their talents through a vibrant display of school artwork. Our creative pieces attracted positive attention from visitors, highlighting the artistic abilities of our students and the importance of creative expression in our curriculum.

We would like to thank the Walcha Show organisers for their hospitality, and all staff who helped make the excursion a success. Participating in community events like the Walcha Show enriches our students’ learning in memorable and meaningful ways.

Celebrating Student Learning

Each Tuesday, Niangala Public School comes together to celebrate our students during a school assembly. This gathering provides an opportunity to recognise and acknowledge the achievements and positive contributions of our students. Teachers present merit certificates to students who have demonstrated excellence in academics, effort, behaviour, or community involvement. Additionally, two special awards are given each week: the Student's Student Award, which recognises a student who has been nominated by their peers for displaying kindness, leadership, or teamwork, and the Staff Student's Award, which is presented by staff to a student who has shown outstanding commitment, improvement, or a positive attitude. The assembly fosters a sense of community and pride among students and helps to motivate everyone to continue striving for their best.  

Smiles All Around

Niangala Public School had plenty to smile about recently, thanks to the visit of Hunter New England Oral Health, through the Primary School Mobile Dental Program. The dedicated dental team provided every student with a thorough dental check and clean, ensuring that our children’s oral health was given top priority. For students requiring extra dental care, the team offered additional treatments right at school, making quality dental care accessible and convenient for all.

Education was also a key part of the week. The dental health professionals gave an engaging talk about the importance of correct tooth brushing techniques, helping our students learn how to keep their smiles healthy. A highlight was the “How Much Sugar?” game, where students guessed the sugar content in common foods and drinks—a fun and interactive way to learn about making healthier choices.

We are very grateful to Hunter New England Oral Health for their commitment to our students’ wellbeing. Their visit not only provided immediate care but also helped foster lifelong habits for good oral health.